Tuning Your Radar Screen to Job Search Mode

Okay, so you’ve decided that you want to find a job. Maybe you’re looking for work to tie you over for the summer break, or something that you can do after school and on the weekends. Whatever it is that you’ve got in mind, the real question you’ve got to ask yourself is, “Where do I start?”

If you’re going to work this day in age, you’ve got to be receptive to any opportunities that may be out there. We’re living in trying times with a very competitive job market, so it’s important for you to jump on every promising opportunity to find work that comes your way. Below are three ways that you can be proactive in your search for a job.

Check online job forums daily. This is something that you can’t make any excuses about; checking online for work should be done as often as you eat breakfast. If you make checking sites like Monster, indeed, Craigslist and CareerBuilder a daily habit, then you’re more likely to get the jump on other job seekers that may be competing against you for the same work. Make checking online for jobs a part of your morning routine, and you’ll get a head start on all of your friends that are sleeping in.

Ask your friends and family for leads. On top of staying up-to-date with the latest job postings online, you also need to consider asking your friends and family if they know of any person or business that is hiring. Sometimes employers need a little extra help, but are reluctant to advertise in the papers and online. This is especially true for people that hire temporarily during the busy seasons, like the holidays. Employers like this often rely solely on word-of-mouth to get the help that they need, so it’s a good idea to make sure that your friends and family are well aware of your search for work.

Visit local businesses and be seen. Have you ever heard of the phrase, “Out of sight, out of mind?” It basically means that if you don’t make yourself seen every once in a while, then people are going to forget about you. This is a good message to remember when you’re looking for gainful employment. Consider going around to local businesses that you’re interested in working for and speaking to the employees and managers if you can. They may not be able to help you out with a job right away, but if you introduce yourself, remain cordial, and leave with a smile, then you’ll be the first person on their minds the next time that they are looking to hire some extra help.

Make a profile on online career and job forums. There are several online portals that allow creating a simple profile so potential customers looking for your skills can find you easily. I usually encourage teens and students to use LocoBiz.com because of their local and community focus.

So is your radar screen currently tuned to the “job search mode” setting? If you’re going to find a job in the world today, then you’re going to have to be proactive by going out there and getting what you want. Stay persistent, follow your daily job search routine, and you’ll be sure to find the position that you’re looking for in no time.

Shirin is a veteran in human resources and career development. Her interest is virtual education, online training, online marketing, and blogging. She is a mentor and career advisor to many online communities.